House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Plan to Prevent Government Shutdown and Win Conservative Votes
House Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed a two-pronged approach to keep the government operating while promoting budgetary restraint and major policy changes. The “Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act of 2024” addresses funding difficulties and provides a route forward for Congress to avoid a government shutdown.
The 2-Step Method
It seeks to extend government funding until two crucial 2024 deadlines. Most of the allocated monies will expire on February 2, 2024, while some on January 19, 2024, according the law. This structure would require Congress to negotiate over 12 appropriations measures instead of one huge spending package that consolidates many financial goals.
The January 19 deadline is urgent because federal programs under normal appropriations need financing. Agriculture, rural development, transportation, housing, urban development, and the FDA are among these critical services. To maintain services, these programs must receive funds before this date.
Some federal initiatives have deadlines longer than January 19, including fall 2024. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which supports farmers and rural development, expires on September 30, 2024.
Johnson’s “Fight for Conservative Victories” Plan
Speaker Johnson says he wants to “fight for conservative victories” by focusing on fiscal responsibility and policy changes. These modifications address the U.S.-Mexico border problem and the Ukraine funding controversy.
The two-step continuing resolution avoids the year-end omnibus spending bill, which sometimes has last-minute measures and rushes enactment. Johnson believes separating the continuing resolution (CR) from supplementary funding issues will help House Republicans push for conservative policy agendas.
“This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories,” Speaker Johnson stated. “The bill will end the absurd holiday-season omnibus tradition of massive, loaded spending bills introduced before Christmas. Our conference can best advocate for fiscal prudence, Ukraine aid supervision, and significant policy changes at our southern border by separating the CR from the supplemental spending issues.
Johnson’s plan doesn’t include Ukraine or Israel cash aid. This is because the House has already proposed $14.5 billion in aid to Israel after Hamas’ October 7, 2024 attack.
Opposition to Proposal
Senate Democrats have opposed Johnson’s idea despite his efforts. Critics say the concept is overly convoluted and unrealistic, wasting government money on a simple process.
“We will pass a clean short-term CR. The only choice is whether we do it poorly and horrifically or like adults, said Hawaii Democratic Senator Brian Schatz. Making basic things excessively complicated isn’t conservative, and it wastes public money.”
Some detractors call the plan complicated, but others say it’s a sensible way to achieve conservative goals without a government shutdown. Johnson’s move shows his continuous efforts to balance the budget, maintain fiscal discipline, and address difficult national security and foreign policy challenges.
Speaker Mike Johnson’s Financial Disclosure vs. His Predecessors
Mike Johnson, the House Speaker, has garnered attention for his policy positions and personal finances, which differ from those of his predecessors. Johnson’s August 2024 financial disclosure report shows little wealth, unlike many prior House leaders.
Johnson has no stock and lists three obligations on his disclosure form: a $500,000 mortgage, a $50,000 personal loan, and a $50,000 home equity line of credit. Critics have noted the unique nature of this disclosure, especially in government ethics.
According to Harmon Curran government ethics specialist Brett Kappel, it is “very unusual for a member not to have to disclose at least one bank account.” The ethics expert Jordan Libowitz called Johnson’s financial condition “strange” and claimed it could make him open to influence purchasing.
Defending Speaker Johnson
Republicans support Speaker Johnson despite criticism, especially compared to prior Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi’s riches. Johnson’s ally Representative Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) defended his finances, saying they showed his relatability and dedication to the American people.
“For years, we’ve heard calls and demands for members of Congress to look more like the people they represent,” Rep. Cammack said. “Today, we have a speaker who is not independently wealthy, does not own or trade stocks, and is not required to disclose his federal employee retirement funds under House financial reporting disclosures rules.”
Cammack stressed that Johnson’s financial disclosures reflected his “man of the people” leadership style. She slammed Democrats and the media for their hypocrisy, noting that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, worth over $100 million, possessed millions of dollars in assets, including Google, Apple, and Microsoft stocks.
Pelosi’s stock interests have been scrutinized, especially since she shaped major financial and legislative decisions as Speaker. Her wealth, mostly from interests in major firms, has spurred calls for Congress’ financial openness.
Congress’ Financial Transparency Call
The PELOSI Act, presented by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), addresses Johnson’s financial disclosure and Congressional financial transparency. This bill would prohibit Congressmen and their spouses from owning or trading stocks to avoid conflicts of interest and undue influence.
Many believe MPs should not profit from their positions, including stock trading. The PELOSI Act reflects this belief. Critics say elected officials might use their legislative insider information to make beneficial financial decisions, giving the impression of corruption.
Johnson’s Proposal’s Future
The political climate remains acrimonious as Speaker Mike Johnson pursues his two-step plan to prevent a government shutdown and advance conservative legislation. Johnson’s proposal has skeptics, but it signals a substantial attempt to break from the old strategy of lumping together massive financial packages and allows for more focused budgeting and spending.
Funding negotiations and the U.S.-Mexico border problem and Ukraine and Israel foreign aid are among the obstacles ahead. Johnson will prioritize fiscal responsibility and national security.
However, recent financial disclosure investigations and party divisions suggest that his leadership will continue to encounter external and internal problems. The government spending, policy agendas, and financial transparency discussions will determine his speakership in the coming months.
Conclusion: A Questionable Speaker
In policy and finances, Mike Johnson’s time as House Speaker is a departure. Despite criticism for his unorthodox financial declaration, his initiatives aim to strengthen House Republicans to win conservative victories and cut government spending.
Johnson’s policy includes the two-step continuing resolution, which prevents a government shutdown and ensures fiscal restraint. Johnson will be watched as he balances party unity, fiscal discipline, and policy reform. His financial profile shows his devotion to representing average Americans, which might be a key talking point as he navigates his Speakership.
Johnson’s approach to government funding, financial openness, and conservative victories will shape the House of Representatives and its policies as the political environment changes.
